Liverpool welcome Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion to Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday night.
The Reds have endured a difficult season so far and currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, making it almost certain that they will not retain their top flight crown this time around.
Liverpool’s struggles come despite the Merseyside outfit spending in excess of £400 million during last summer’s transfer window, with Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz among those to arrive at Anfield.
Manager Arne Slot will want to see his side return to winning ways against the Seagulls, with a place in the last 16 of the FA Cup at stake.
Ahead of the game, it has emerged that Liverpool could trigger a La Liga star’s release clause this summer.
As reported by Spanish outlet El Nacional, via TEAMtalk, the Premier League champions are considering activating Athletic Club star Nico Williams’ release clause.
The report claims that the Merseyside outfit are considering signing the Spain international by meeting the clause, which is set at a staggering £83 million.
Williams is on the radar of both Liverpool and Tottenham (Photo: Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez/Alamy)
Liverpool’s Premier League rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, are also said to be interested in the Spanish attacker, who came close to joining Barcelona last summer before signing a new ten-year contract with Athletic.
Williams – who primarily plays on the left flank – is a product of the Spanish side’s youth system and has now played more than 190 times for the club across all competitions, scoring 35 goals and providing 36 assists.
Despite signing a staggering long-term deal last summer, the report suggests that Williams’ future in Bilbao is uncertain.
The winger has reportedly become frustrated at his current situation, with a combination of injuries and poor form contributing to a difficult season so far.
It is even claimed that Williams ‘regrets’ committing his long-term future to the club, and the Spaniard is now said to be considering a move elsewhere.